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Usable Cassettes
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Usable Cassettes
This unit can use the HDV/DVCAM cassettes listed
below.
The capacity of a standard cassette is 184 minutes of
recording/playback, and that of a mini (S) cassette is 40
minutes. When DV (SP) format or HDV format is used,
these recording/playback times are extended to 276
minutes and 60 minutes, respectively.
DVCAM cassettes
HDV cassettes
The * in each model name is actually “ME” (indicating
that a cassette memory is contained), “N” (indicating that
no cassette memory is contained) or “MEM” (indicating a
master tape).
The numbers in each model name indicate the maximum
recording/playback time (in minutes) for each model. For
example, the PDV-184ME has a maximum recording/
playback time of 184 minutes.
For details of the format, see “Differences among HDV
1080i, DVCAM, and DV formats” (page 34).
• DVCPRO (25 Mbps) cassettes are usable for playback,
but not for recording on this unit.
• If you insert an incorrect type of cassette, it will be
automatically ejected.
• Although this unit can use DV series consumer cassettes,
video or audio noise may occur on some tapes.
For reliable playback, editing, recording, and storage,
use HDV or DVCAM cassettes.
• Cassettes that have been recorded by a DV-format
recorder can be played back on this unit but cannot be
used for recording at editing operation. When you insert
such a cassette into this unit, the NO EDIT indicator
lights up in the LCD monitor.
HDV/DVCAM cassettes
The following figure illustrates the HDV/DVCAM
cassettes.
Cassette compatibility
For HDV recording, a DV standard cassette tape can be
used. The HDV 1080i format used by this unit has a video
bitrate for recording of 25 Mbps, and the recording track
width on the tape is 10
μ
m, the same as the consumer
DV(SP) format.
The DVCAM format has a track width of 15
μ
m, 1.5 times
that of the HDV or DV(SP) format. Therefore, when
recording in DVCAM format on the same tape, the
recording time is two-thirds that for HDV recording or
DV(SP) recording.
Notes on using cassettes
• Before storing the cassette for a long period of time,
rewind the tape to the beginning and be sure to put the
cassette in its storage case, preferably on end instead of
flat on its side.
Storing a cassette in any other condition (not rewound,
out of its case, etc.) may cause the video and audio
contents to become damaged over time.
• If the cassette memory connector (contact point)
becomes dirty, connection problems may occur, causing
a loss of functions. Remove away any dust or dirt from
this area before using the cassette.
• If the cassette is dropped on the floor or otherwise
receives a hard impact, the tape may become slackened
and may not record and/or play back correctly.
• If a tape is left in the unit, this may cause problems.
Before powering off the unit, it is recommended to press
the EJECT button to eject the tape.
For information about how to check the tape for slack, see
the next section.
Checking the tape for slack
Using a paper clip or a similar object, turn the reel gently
in the direction shown by the arrow. If the reel does not
move, there is no slack. Insert the cassette into the cassette
compartment, and after about 10 seconds take it out.
Model name
Size
PDV-34*/64*/94*/124*/184*
Standard size (L)
PDVM-12*/22*/32*/34*/40*
Mini size (S)
Model name
Size
PHDV-64DM * /124DM * /
186DM * /276DM *
Standard size (L)
PHDVM-63DM *
Mini size (S)
Notes
REC/SAVE switch
For details of this switch, see “Preventing
accidental erasure” (page 40).
Mini size (S)
Standard size (L)
Cassette memory
This memory is used to store ClipLink log data.
